In the previous post on this subject, I asserted that before you have any hope to lead someone else, you must first lead yourself.  The most powerful way to do this is with a question or in this case, a series of questions.  The following questions are offered as a means for you to lead yourself.  Leading yourself requires that you slow down so you can assess and re-calibrate.  Shifting courses (even slight shifts) can’t happen when moving 100 miles per hour.

Use these questions to help you lead yourself wisely…

  • Lead your heart
    • Who and what is my leadership about?
    • Where can I show some vulnerability with my team?
    • What are the concerns of those I’m leading?
    • What commitments have I made that need to be followed through?
  • Ground your feet
    • How is my physical, emotional, relational health?
    • What do I need to do to be equipped to handled all the demands on my time?
    • What are my values and life purpose? How will I stay connected to them?
    • When will I take some time off to clear my head?
  • Think differently
    • What trends or recurring themes do I see in the behavior of my team or the challenges we’re facing?
    • How will I include the big picture of the organization when making my next important decision?
    • What different perspective(s) do I need on the problems I’m now facing?
    • How will I stay in the mode of gathering information, remaining curious, and seeking possibilities without diving immediately to problem solving mode?
  • See Clearly
    • Who can I enroll to help me see my present circumstances for what they REALLY are?
    • What purpose, principles and values connect my team together?
    • What is my place in the vision for my team/organization?  How do each of my team members fit into that vision?
    • What is the greatness and strength of each of my team members?
  • Listen Deeply
    • What’s getting in my way of deeply listening?  What will I do about it?
    • What preconceived ideas do I need to set aside today so that I can deeply listen?
    • Who can I get feedback from on the impression I give when listening?

Stake your claim on the self-leading you will invest in.  Share a comment below on your commitment and what you did today to lead yourself.